Head Chef

Staff Unlimited Recruitment Pty Ltd T / A MPC Recruitment Group EC; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run lodge in Makhanda is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead the culinary team. Responsibilities include creating seasonal menus, managing kitchen operations, and maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene. The ideal candidate has experience in a high-quality restaurant or lodge and is passionate about wildlife and conservation. This position offers the opportunity to enhance guest experiences with exceptional dining.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant, lodge or hospitality setting.
• Strong knowledge of various cooking techniques, cuisines, and dietary needs.
• Passion for wildlife and conservation, with an understanding of the safari camp experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Designing and preparing seasonal menus accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Managing kitchen operations and training staff.
• Maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Overseeing inventory control and minimizing costs.
• Engaging with guests to receive feedback.
• Ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food quality control

Communication

Creativity

Knowledge of cooking techniques

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview

Our Client, a family-run lodge, is seeking a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team. The Head Chef, you will be responsible for creating exceptional dining experiences for our guests while ensuring the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and presentation. This role requires a strong leadership presence and creativity in menu development.

Responsibilities

• Designing and preparing seasonal menus and accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Managing kitchen operations, including supervising and training kitchen staff, scheduling, and ensuring efficient workflow.
• Maintaining high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation in all dishes.
• Overseeing inventory control, including ordering, storage, and waste management, while minimizing costs.
• Providing exceptional service and engaging with guests to receive feedback.
• Ensure the kitchen adheres to all local health and safety regulations, implementing best practices for food safety and hygiene.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant, lodge or hospitality setting.
• Culinary degree or equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of various cooking techniques, cuisines, and dietary needs.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Passion for wildlife and conservation, with an understanding of the safari camp experience is a plus.

Should meet the above criteria, we invite you to apply directly to the advertisement. Should you not hear back from us within 2 weeks of application, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.